Soon, all fuel outlets to have emission testing facility in Bengaluru

At present, there are 705 emission testing centres in the state, including 332 in Bengaluru. In comparison, the number of petrol pumps is much higher — nearly 4,250, including 650 in Bengaluru.Christian Mathew Philip | tnn | October 27, 2017, 10:57 IST

There have been complaints against some emission centres issuing fake certificates.BENGALURU: Soon, fuel outlets across the state will double as emission testing centres. In the wake of a recent advisory sent to all states by the ministry of road transport and highways (MORTH), the transport department has decided to ensure that all fuel outlets provide pollution fitness certificates to vehicles.

At present, there are 705 emission testing centres in the state, including 332 in Bengaluru. In comparison, the number of petrol pumps is much higher — nearly 4,250, including 650 in Bengaluru.

This means that most of the petrol pumps don’t have emission testing facilities. Welcoming the move, A Tharanath, executive member of the Bangalore Petroleum Dealers Association (BPDA), said: “This will help motorists check pollution levels of vehicles without any hassle”.

In the advisory, the Centre has asked states to mandate pre-payment of the PUC (pollution under control) certificate fee before the tests are conducted. Calibration of PUC machines will be done by third-party agencies authorized by the transport department.

The advisory has urged states to levy stringent penalties, including cancellation of authorization of the emission centres found guilty of non-compliance or malpractice.

“Transport departments are also advised to carry out random checks of PUC centres and conduct enforcement drives for PUC compliance by motor vehicle owners,” the advisory says. It has also asked the departments to introduce well-equipped mobile test centres.

Joint transport commissioner (environment and e-governance) M P Omkareshwari said they have asked the civil supplies department to ensure that all fuel outlets provide PUC certificates to vehicles.

“We don’t have mobile test centres to check emission levels of visibly polluting vehicles and are using Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) vehicles for the purpose. We are also monitoring emission centres and action has been initiated against fake units,” she added.

In 2015, Central Crime Branch (CCB) police busted six fake emission centres in Bengaluru and arrested several people, including office-bearers of the Karnataka State Emission Testing Centres Association. There have been complaints against some emission centres issuing fake certificates.

A Balaji, member of the Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers (CIPD), said, “Several emission centres operating from petrol pumps on a rental basis issue fake certifications. But unfortunately, many dealers become scapegoats because of their (the centres’) illegal activities.”

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, the fine for not carrying a valid PUC certificate is Rs 1,000 for a first-time offender and Rs 2,000 for a successive offence. While car owners can get a PUC certificate for Rs 90, for two-wheelers the rate is Rs 50.